Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies with ELISA among women of childbearing age in Şanlıurfa province: A three years evaluation

Objectives: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, its prevalence varies depending on geographic location, age, nutrition and hygiene habits. In this study, it was aimed to investigate seroprevelance of antibodies occurring against Toxoplasma gondii, which can lead to congenital infections in risky group, women of reproductive age, referred to Şanlıurfa Women’s Health and Maternity Hospital in years between January 2007 and December 2009, and to compare its results with the previous studies. Materials and methods: Sera obtained from women, their age range was 15 to 49, the mean age of 28.35 ± 7.48 were studied with chemiluminescense immunoassay and electrochemiluminescence methods and toxoplasma antibody results were investigated, retrospectively. Results: In pregnant and non-pregnant women’s samples, anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies seropositivity was found as 68.9% and 63.0%, respectively, whereas anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies seropositivity was found as 2.8% and 3.0%, respectively. In both (pregnant and non-pregnant), the most frequent seropositivity rates for anti-toxoplasma IgG were detected in 35 to 45 years-old age group. Conclusions: In conclusion, routine scanning for toxoplasma seropositivity may not be needed because of the high seropositivity ratios in this province. Education of all sensitive mothers about protection and control of toxoplasma infection and obstetrical follow-up can decrease the risk of congenital anomalies related to toxoplasmosis.